Since its beginning in the late 1880s, women’s football has become increasingly popular.
While facing various challenges including less funding and media coverage compared to their male counterparts, today’s female representatives inspire young girls to pursue their interests within this sport.
Not only has women's football become more admired by fans, but many girls have also gained an appreciation.
In 2020, the FA (Football Association) stated that England experienced a 54% increase in the number of women and girls that play football, climbing to a staggering 3.4 million.
This statistic further escalated when the country's women's team won the Euro 2022 final against Germany, resulting in their greatest success to date.
Two girls playing for a local under-13s football club voiced their opinions and experiences as young sportswomen:
“I was feeling quite stressed and I like doing sports, so my brother and I started to really enjoy playing football. In primary, when I used to play with the boys, I never got passed the ball unless they really needed me. I do think girls are treated differently in football and it’s not fair. We should be treated equally because girls can be better at sports than boys. I hope that I pursue playing football because it really helps me with stress, it’s kind of like meditation for me and I can let out all my thoughts and anger. I can’t let boys stop me, I need to believe in myself."
"My dad often watched and played football, so I quickly got involved myself as it seemed to be a good sport. In primary school, the class shared the court, but us girls felt left out as we were always chosen last for the teams. Back then, I used to be happy if I even got to touch the ball once. Now I play for an all-girls football team, which has allowed me to make friends while learning new skills. I hope I can continue to play because I really enjoy it and everyone else on my team does too. My dream is that in the future, girls can take part and love it like I do."
These are quotes from only two out of millions of female footballers and fans, proving just how significant the sport is for them, despite it initially being a male-dominated industry.
Even though modern society is constantly changing and developing, common areas like football are often overlooked when striving for a better future.
The world demands equality, its women deserve equality.
Although the effects might not be as pronounced at this moment in time, the Lionesses' win and the making of many girls' teams are no small feats in contributing to greater fairness within sport.
In the near future, it is hopeful that there will be a more inclusive path than now for future women to follow in order to be part of the universal art of football.
